Project Style Minute: Project Style Live Style Off South Bay Galleria: The Recap!

Project Style Minute: Project Style Live Style Off South Bay Galleria: The Recap!

South Bay Galleria Trendsetter Fab!

Ready Set, Project Style GO: Nick Verreos arrives at South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach CA, to co-host Project Style 2012 Live Style Off

It's PROJECT STYLE Live Style Off time at various Forest City Centers across Southern California--and the US--and two weeks ago I had the honor of co-hosting--along with Style Network's "How Do I Look?" host Jeannie Mai--South Bay Galleria's edition of this fun and fabulous style competition.

Hosts With the Most: Project Style 2012 Spokespersons and Host Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai



As you may know, both Jeannie Mai and I are the Official Spokespersons of Project Style 2012 and back in March, we shot a fun video, encouraging Trendsetters/Stylistas to put together looks, style themselves, shoot a mini video and put it up on the Project Style website--to eventually have a chance to win the Top Trendsetter prize and a $1000 Shopping Spree from the participating malls/centers. Then, all the 15 regional winners will go on to compete NATIONALLY for the Grand Prize--a trip for two to New York City during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week next year!

Nick Verreos, Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Live Style Off

Now, back to South Bay Galleria's Live Style Off...I began the event with some fun introductions, and greeting all the shoppers, guests and family members/loved ones of the finalists who were all gathered at the Center Court of South Bay Galleria. I also had to do my traditional "Runway Blessing" (so none of the finalists would have a runway malfunction while on stage)...

You Better Work: Nick Verreos begins the Project Style South Bay Galleria Live Style Off with a "Catwalk Blessing" doing a little runway walk of his own while the Finalists look on

Joining Jeannie and I to judge today was Sean Dennison (above far right) Personal Stylist manager of Nordstrom South Bay Galleria. Sean was really great in bringing his years of expertise and insight on styling to help in deciding who would win the Final Live Style Off prize of a $1000 South Bay Galleria Shopping Spree.



The Finalists:

Left to right: Christy Chen, Jennifer Gonzalez, Tori Thompson, Brittany Donaleshen, and Chigo Ikeme--on stage, Center Court South Bay Galleria

Each of them got to do a runway walk showing their outfits that they put together:

Left to right: Christy Chen, Jennifer Gonzalez

Left to right: Chigo Ikeme, Tori Thompson, and...

Brittany Donaleshen

Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai interviewing Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria finalists

Interview Portion: After their catwalks, Jeannie and I had a "one-on-one" interview asking each finalist about their looks, where they went shopping, their reasoning behind each look and how much did they spend (each was given a budget of $200 to shop in the mall/center).



Then it was Decision Time. And The Winner Is...

Tori Thompson!! (above, being interviewed by hosts Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai) Tori is a budding fashionista, stylist and blogger (she has a great blog called MyThriftyChic.com--you can click HERE to check it out)--Her winning outfit consisted of a very Fall-appropriate sweater, grape-colored skinny jeans, a printed blouse, stacked pumps and a FAB oversized clutch with metal studs. We, the judges, felt that her look was pulled together and was perfectly styled. She also utilized the most out of the money that was given to her to shop and style herself.

Winning Style: Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Tori Thompson joined by judge Sean Dennison of Nordstrom, and hosts/co-judges Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos

Not only did she win the $1000 South Bay Galleria Shopping Spree prize, she also won the Fan Vote--where we asked their friends, shoppers and attendees to text their favorite contestant to a number and the one who received the most votes won "Fan Favorite", and $500 Galleria shopping spree. So, Tori won a total of $1500! You Go Girl!



After all the Congrats--we all posed for some fun photos and then Jeannie and I had a great Meet-and-Greet with shoppers, attendees and took lots of photos and signed autographs--Here are some of those pics:

MC of Style: Nick Verreos with the Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Finalists and Winner

Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai with Project Style attendee and fan--Amy Taylor--South Bay Galleria

Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Finalist Chigo Ikeme (and one of my biggest Twitter followers--Love her!) Photo Collage (check out those FIERCE wedge booties!!)

Style Smiles: Mandy Faura, NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul, Nick Verreos and Rita Verreos--South Bay Galleria

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" Love:

OMG!!! Nick Verreos and FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee--and her FIDM "vintage logo" sweatshirt 

Last week, I had some very important business meetings (relating to a possible "NV by Nick Verreos" line I have been diligently working on) in NYC. Once I finished the meetings, I got on a plane and flew to one of my other favorite cities in the good ol' US of A: San Francisco! I was scheduled to make a "Nick Visit" as part of my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012" tour at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Francisco campus last Wednesday.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The weather in SF this past week was GORGEOUS! Warm but not too hot and  very clear (No fog in SF: who knew!?). The FIDM SF campus is located in the heart of Union Square so on my way there--with my trusty NIKOLAKI confidante David Paul (who of course, flew with me!)--it was very difficult to keep away from going into EVERY store to do some retail damage.

Red Carpet in San Francisco: Model Rachael Sitz modeling one of my NIKOLAKI Couture gowns--a lavender silk chiffon hand-beaded sequined column gown

There was no time for that, it was all about my Appearance and showing some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses to all the high school students who were in attendance for this final third day of the "3 Days of Fashion".

Welcome Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Over 100 students plus some of their mom's and dad's greeted me with a wonderful "San Francisco" welcome!! I spoke about my time as a young boy drawing all the stewardess uniforms while traveling on trips with my mom and dad, as well as how I decided to attend FIDM and all that has happened since, including "Project Runway", all my TV Red Carpet Expert work and of course, dressing celebs like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Heidi Klum. Speaking of my NIKOLAKI designs...

Designer and His Fashion: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI Collection silk chiffon column gown with hand-beaded lavender sequins and peek-a-boo top detail and...

Rachael in a raspberry-colored silk-wool ziberline strapless dress with draped bustier and asymmetrical skirt. And by the way, this dress was the same dress worn by Beyonce in her "Best Thing I Never Had" music video.

 Auf Wiedersehen? Nick Verreos checking out the "Rock the Runway" finalists, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 


Then, after my "Nick Talk" and NIKOLAKI mini-fashion presentation, it was on to judging the "Rock the Runway" Contest--where "3 Days of Fashion" attendees were told to dress in their most "original" outfits which expressed their most "unique" styles.

Serious Judging: Nick Verreos, Julia Anne Hill and David Paul of NIKOLAKI , "Rock the Runway" Contest, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had the privilege of being one of the judges,--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, FIDM Alumna Julia Anne Hill (she's Apparel and Design Director/Social Media Specialist for Clinton Kelly Inc.) and two hand-picked FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees. The Contest was SO much fun--not so much fun to judge (it was very, very difficult since they were ALL very good!)--but fun to see all of the students' ensembles!

McQueen'ed: One of our faves was this one young man named Diego Rivera (I know--just like the Mexican painter!)--you can see him in the photo above wearing the denim shirt, McQueen scarf and black Meggings (male leggings). I teased him because he also had FAB accessories including very expensive Hermes "Collier de Chien" cuff and Cartier "Love" bracelet. I wondered (out loud!) who his Sugar Daddy was--and if I could have his phone number??

Nick Verreos poses with the tied finalists in their "Rock the Runway" looks, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The Winner:

Colorful Winner: Nick Verreos and co-judge Julia Anne Hill and the two student judges pose with the Winner of the "Rock the Runway" contest--in the middle wearing the apple green hot-shorts and striped sweater--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

SF Smiles: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Trudy Noren (FIDM SF College Representative and Special Events), Julia Anne Hill and David Paul, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Once again, it was a very successful and fantastic FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" in San Francisco--I had so much fun meeting all the students, their mom's and dad's, judging the contest, as well as showing them my NIKOLAKI designs. I LOVE SF and cannot wait to come back!!!

Tony Awards Minute: Attending The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party

Tony Awards Minute: Attending The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party

A Fab Tony Sunday...

Nick LOVES The Actors Fund: Nick Verreos, The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, Skirball Cultural Center

The 66th Annual Tony Awards happened this past Sunday in NYC of course. Here in LA, Sunday was also LA Pride day in West Hollywood. Well, what better way to celebrate LA Pride, my love of Musicals, the Theater--and not to mention Judy Garland's Birthday (I KNOW!!)-- than to attend a FABULOUS Tony Awards Viewing Party here on the West Coast.

But not just any Viewing Party at someone's house--no kiddies, THE one and only The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center. The gala featured the ONLY approved live feed of the Tony Awards, since the actual awards were happening in New York. As it has been tradition, I brought my NIKOLAKI design partner-for-life David Paul with me.

Designing Twosome: Nick Verreos and David Paul, The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, Skirball Cultural Center

He also loves Musicals and the Theatre (with a Capital "T"!) and always tries to make sure we book at least one Broadways show to see every time we are in NYC. There's always room for Broadway in there somewhere!

Jackets Required: (Left to right) Nick Verreos and The Actors Fund National Director of Special Events, Louie Anchondo, The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, Skirball Cultural Center

My best friend--and "Brother from Another Mother", Louie Anchondo--whom I've known longer than Lady Gaga has been alive (!), is the National Director of Special Events for The Actors Fund and I've been happy to attend, support him, and support such a wonderful organization and naturally, enjoy some Broadway Fun--right here in LA!

The Actors Fund, in case you didn't know, is a nationwide human services organization that helps
all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a
safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need,
crisis or transition. For the last sixteen years, the Actors Fund has held a Tony Awards Viewing Party and they are always a BLAST. The party begins with a Silent Auction of Broadway Memorabilia during "Cocktail Hour" (the more Dirty Martinis...the more money you spend!)...

 16th Annual Actors Fund Tony Awards Party Mugs

For the first time ever, the Silent Auction was done via iPad's--where there were several "Auction Volunteers" stationed with iPads and if you wanted to bid on something, you would just let them know, and they would put it in and update the auction--it was VERY 2012! I succumbed to bidding at that Silent Auction darlings--third year in a row--and I won something!! (see end of post for what I won).

Following the Silent Auction Preview/Cocktail Hour, there was a delicious three-course dinner (butter lettuce salad, chicken and a YUMMY dessert this year, as seen from above pic!) while viewing the LIVE FEED of the Awards Show. Did I mention it was THE ONLY APPROVED LIVE FEED of the awards show? I think I did. But it bears repeating.

Neil Patrick Harris, during the 66th Annual Tony Awards CBS Telecast

In between--during the commercials--it was all about actor Scott Bakula hosting, getting the Viewing Party crowd excited, telling jokes, fun stories and introducing all the Who's Who's Broadway and Beyond, that were in attendance.

Julie Harris Award honoree. actor Jason Alexander (center) flanked by actress and Award Presenter Annie Potts and host, actor Scott Bakula, The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, Skirball Cultural Center/photo by Scott Appel

The bash honored actor Jason Alexander with the prestigious Julie Harris Award, which was presented to him by actress Annie Potts of "Designing Women" fame. Now, speaking of "Who's Who", many Broadway and  Hollywood Glitterati attended including Anne Jeffreys, Loni Anderson (I know!), Charlotte Rae, Bruce Vilanch, Frances Fisher, Holland Taylor, and many more. Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland and Syd Luft, was even there. She made a short speech and began a "Happy Birthday" song to her dear mother! I thought I had died and gone to GAY Heaven!

Left to Right: Actor Theo Bikel, Charlotte Rae (of "Facts of Life" fame), and Bruce Vilanch, The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, Skirball Cultural Center

Left to Right: "WKRP in Cincinnati" actress Loni Anderson, Julie Harris Honoree Jason Alexander, Ruta Lee (How FABULOUS is SHE!!???), and Host Scott Bakula--The Actors Fund 16th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party Skirball Cultural Center

David and I had a wonderful time--as always--and oh yes, before I forget, as I mentioned previously on the top of this post, we bid on several items during the Silent Auction--and well, we lost on one (I'm not telling what it was), but...we did win one: a signed poster of the current Broadway Revival Production of "Evita" (starring Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris) and here it is:

 Ricky Martin is somewhere in there: "Evita" cast signed poster

We still have to find a place in our home where it will go--I'm sure it will go next to the item we bid and won at last year's The Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party Silent Auction...